Intercepting Invasive Invertebrate Species Before They Infest Waterbodies: The Inception and Implementation of Alberta’s Dedicated Canine Mussel Inspection Program

Abstract

Effective protection from invasive mussels requires strategic implementation of numerous intricately coordinated and, ideally, preventive approaches. Generating awareness in members of the public is also crucial, yet engaging on the magnitude of potential repercussions or the benefits of participating in preventive measures remains challenging. This chapter describes the extensive effort underway to keep invasive zebra and quagga mussels out of waterways in the Canadian province of Alberta via concerted watercraft inspections and other related initiatives. Focusing on the development then implementation of a dedicated team of detection dogs and handlers to partner with mussel Inspectors, the benefits of the dog teams are discussed in conjunction with the efforts of their human counterparts. Additional research and development possibilities, lessons learned, and recommendations are also provided.

Appendices

Appendix 1

The recommendations from a risk assessment conducted in 2012 led to the implementation of the overall AIS program in Alberta. These recommendations were summarized using the ‘bowtie method’ (shown), which visually maps the threat, that is, the introduction of invasive mussels, the potential vectors, and the consequences and controls. The method’s concise visual format enabled stakeholders to acquire a clear understanding of the Province’s vulnerability to mussel infestation and facilitated the identification of solutions for moving forward.

4.1.1 Bowtie Summary: Risk Assessment for Invasive Mussel Infestation of the Alberta Portion of the Crown of the Continent Ecosystem

Appendix 2

4.1.1 Information Gathered by Government of Alberta Watercraft Inspectors from Members of the Boating Public When They Arrive at a Station (2017)

• Date and Time

• Inspector Name & Location

• Other Location

• Parks Inspection Location

• Has your Watercraft been inspected in the last 30 days?

  • If yes, Picture of proof of inspection form.

  • Where did the inspection take place?

  • Was your watercraft decontaminated?

• Origin Province/State

• Waterbodies visited in last 30 days

• High Risk Inspection?—Yes/No

  • Number of Days in Infested Water

  • Number of Days Out of Infested Water

• Destination Waterbody

• City of Residence

• Province/State of Residence

• Vehicle License Plate #

• Trailer License Plate #

• Boat Registration #

• Alberta/British Columbia Passport # (Use when registering passport after initial inspection)

• Destination Province/State

• Engine Type

• Watercraft Type

• Ballast Tank & or bags—Yes/No

• Hot Wash (take pictures before water touches boat!)?—Yes/No

• Live Aquatic Bait (did you document everything & call RAP line?)?—Yes/No

• Mussels Found?—Yes/No

• Plug was pulled (If no get boater to pull & educate)—Yes/No

• Weeds on Boat (Removed weeds & Educated Boater)?—Yes/No

• NOTES

• Images

• Sample Taken?—Yes/No

• Tracking or Incident #

• End Time